FLAMINGODS
Wahlbar, Manchester | January 21st
Wählbar is the latest inhabitant of a watering hole in Fallowfield that for all intents and purposes seems to have been cursed for the past few years. Situated right in the heart of the largely student-populated area, the place has managed to tear through a succession of failed occupiers, most notably the abysmally named ‘Bar 43’ – named after the 43 Bus route that goes past it.
But with fancy yet unpretentious décor, an excellent selection of superb cocktails and imported ales, and most importantly an expansive downstairs room for hosting events, Wählbar boasts amazing character.
They’ve also impressed by booking the bizarrely-costumed, exotically-inclined percussionist troupe Flamingods this evening, in a guerrilla-style performance that perfectly suits their ramshackle live expression. Constantly switching instruments (bongos, tambourines, djembes, cow bells, kitchen woks, cajóns, shekeres, maracas, as well as electric guitar, drum kit, sampler and effects-laden vocals), the outfit weren’t shy to pour their tools out into the crowd, either, in what was an enormously mutual, tribal experience. The constant rattling, booming, clattering and clapping was more than enough to ensure a furor of response from the audience. Jigs, jerks and jives were a mainstay for the whole evening – Crack’s only regret is that nobody crowd-surfed.
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Words: James Balmont
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